Q: According to our pediatric dentist, my son needs braces already. If he gets them now, will he need them again as a teenager?

A: Believe it or not, 6 is no longer considered young for orthodontic work. "Even 3- and 4-year-olds can sometimes benefit from early intervention," says John Bogert, D.D.S., former executive director of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

Treatment for children this young usually involves some sort of removable orthodontic appliance rather than the fixed, full-banded braces that are more common among older kids. "The goal with younger children is often to correct some sort of skeletal problem [such as poor jaw alignment] rather than to straighten the teeth," explains Dr. Bogert.

In some cases, getting orthodontic help early, when your child's mouth is still growing, can eliminate the need for braces later. In other cases, it can reduce dental problems during adolescence. "But every child and condition is different," stresses Dr. Bogert. "If you're not completely comfortable with your dentist's recommendation, by all means seek a second opinion."

All content here, including advice from doctors and other health professionals, should be considered as opinion only. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your own health or the health of others.